Dune: Awakening Free Weekend Continues with Historic First Discount

Funcom’s desert survival MMO enters day three of its free trial period while offering players its first-ever price reduction since launch.

Dune: Awakening is currently halfway through its Free Weekend promotion that began September 11 and runs through September 15, allowing players to experience the Arrakis-based MMO at no cost. The event coincides with the game’s first discount since its June 2025 launch, offering the title at 10% off (£33.59) through September 22.

Free Trial Extends Gaming Reach

The Free Weekend enables players to explore the vast deserts of Arrakis without purchase commitment, with full access to the game’s survival mechanics and multiplayer features. Players who decide to buy the game during or after the trial period can retain their progress, providing continuity for those who become invested in their characters and bases.

The promotion comes on the heels of major content additions released September 10, including the free Chapter 2 update and the paid “Lost Harvest” DLC priced at $12.99. The update introduces new story missions, character customization options, and dynamic encounters across the desert planet.

Player Engagement Challenges

Despite recent content additions, Dune: Awakening faces retention challenges with Steam player counts showing an 88% drop from its June launch peak of 189,333 concurrent players to a current 30-day average of 22,411. The steep decline follows patterns typical of major PC launches but has been compounded by criticism of the game’s endgame PvP mechanics in the Deep Desert region.

The Free Weekend represents Funcom’s strategy to rebuild momentum following these player count declines, offering both new player acquisition opportunities and renewed engagement from previous players who may have stepped away from the survival MMO.